KUALA LUMPUR: The future of Malaysian football took centre stage yesterday when Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, the Regent of Johor, hosted a high-level meeting with Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and FAM president Tan Sri Hamidin Amin in Johor Baru.
The meeting, which came shortly after the 2025 Budget announcement, addressed critical issues in Malaysian football, including the development of the national team, as well as youth teams.
This came following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent announcement of RM15 million for football development, a significant portion of which is earmarked for getting top coaches, upgrading training programmes and player incentives.
"Tunku Mahkota Ismail, the Regent of Johor, received in audience the Malaysia Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Johor Chief Minister Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi on Oct 23. During the meeting, various topics related to current affairs and Johor were presented and discussed.
"Also present were FAM president Hamidin and Sports Minister Hannah. Various topics about Malaysian football and the national team plans and development were also discussed," read the statement.
The discussions are seen as a coordinated effort between the government, FAM, and Johor royalty to advance Malaysia's football ambitions.
With investments targeted at the national, Under-18, and Under-13 teams, the collaboration aims to strengthen Malaysia's presence on the international stage and foster local talent.